Greetings!
HELLO SUMMER
We will be kicking off our “A Few of our Favorite Things” summer theme starting the week of
June 3. Our monthly units will include Nature, 4
th of July and State Fair. We are looking forward to a fun and exciting summer!
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IN HOUSE FIELD TRIP
We will be starting summer off with a jumping good time. We will have two inflatable jumpers here for the children to use during outside time on
Wednesday, June 5. Please sign the permission slip located at the front desk.
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FATHER'S DAY HAPPY HOUR
Calling all fathers, grandfathers, uncles and/or special male role models! Please join us
Thursday, June 13, for a special Father’s Day happy hour from 3:30-5:00pm. We will have snacks, refreshments and games in the Large Muscle Room!
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SUMMER REMINDERS
Water Days will be coming soon. Please watch parent boards and baby/daily connect for specific dates.
Sunscreen is
REQUIRED for
ALL children. Lotion or pump spray form only. No aerosol sprays are allowed.
A Look Ahead: EFC will be closed on
Thursday, July 4, and
Friday, July 5,
for Independence Day!
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WHAT YOUR CHILD IS LEARNING “OUTDOORS”
LITERACY: expands vocabulary and language by asking questions and encouraging then to describe what they see; promotes understanding of books and literacy as source of enjoyment by providing books about living things; promotes phonological awareness by teaching jump rope rhymes and clapping games.
MATHEMATICS: promotes problem solving by guiding children to find solutions to problems they encounter; teaches number concepts by using numbers and counting in games such as “Hide ‘N’ Seek” or “Hopscotch”; explores patterns and relationships by noting patterns on flowers and leaves; emphasizes concepts of geometry and spatial relationships by taking a shape walk (find triangles or rectangles); exposes children to data collection, organization and representation by having them sort and classify objects.
SCIENCE: develops children’s process skills by asking questions such as: What would happen if…?; exposes children to physical science concepts by offering them balls, wheels; explores life science by putting up bird feeders, keeping pets outside if possible and how to care for them; promotes understanding of earth and environment by learning about trees and plants in your outdoor area and planting a garden with them.
SOCIAL STUDIES: encourages learning about spaces and geography by talking about distances (ex: which is further?); explores concepts related to people and how they live (ex: identify stores in your neighborhood); creates awareness of people and the environment by taking a trip to nearby river or lake to see how people use water.
ART: promotes dance and music by encouraging children to use their bodies freely outdoors and bringing music outdoors; nurtures the visual arts by bringing paint, crayons and other art materials outdoors.
TECHNOLOGY: increases awareness of people and technology by talking about different tools and machines they see and use outdoors; provides technology tools for children to use outdoors such as binoculars, magnifying glasses and cameras.
*The Creative Curriculum by Diane Trister Dodge
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STAR WELLNESS: WATERMELON PIZZA
This watermelon pizza is a fun little treat that everyone can enjoy! It’s healthy, easy to make and when we think of summer, we think of watermelon!
Instructions:
- Using a sharp knife, cut off a slice of watermelon right down the middle about 2-3 inches thick.
- Using a spatula, spread an even layer of your yogurt around the watermelon, leaving a bit of empty space at the top. (where your “pizza crust” is.)
- Layer your fresh fruit on top as you please. You can add as little of as many toppings as you like!
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for a little extra sweetness if desired.
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THE VALUE OF TINKERING
My late uncle loved to tinker. At his beloved cabin you would most often find him in the garage amongst his tools, trying to figure out (often with success) how to repair any number of broken items: lawn chairs, doorknobs, kitchen utensils, and more. While he believed that something broken could and should be restored instead of thrown away, I also think that he simply loved to explore how things worked.
The definition of tinkering is to “attempt to repair or improve something in a casual or desultory way, often to no useful effect.” The last phrase of the definition is deceiving, however, because while the object that is being tinkered with may turn out to have no particular use, the process of tinkering is highly valuable.
For children, the opportunity to tinker with real-life materials can help them build problem-solving and creative thinking skills. Through tinkering, they develop fine motor skills by manipulating small objects. It can help them gain confidence by making them familiar with the physical attributes of various materials and by building an understanding of how things work. When done in groups, tinkering builds social skills and cooperation.
How can adults foster this valuable process (which is becoming more valuable in a busy and digitized world)? The answer is relatively simple. Children need time and real-life materials. Do you have an old VCR, DVD player, or even a computer that could be taken apart and used for tinkering? What about some cardboard, tape, and toothpicks? Or you could take the tinkering process outside, using natural materials such as sticks, rocks, and water, in combination with tools. Then, give your child a substantial amount of free, self-directed time during which they can tinker. While it may be tempting to help your child create something that has a function, it’s important to remember that tinkering is about the
process
rather than an end product with any useful purpose.
You can find inspiration and resources online on how and why to foster tinkering at your home. Here are a few places you might start:
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And if you are ready for a tinkering field trip, check out:
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Angie Williams
Director of Finance and Marketing
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TWIN CITIES
FAMILY EVENTS
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Especially for Children
6125 Cahill Ave.
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
(651) 450-1994
Center Directors:
Fle Jensen, Kristine Berg, and Roxie King
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